Editor's Choice 2008

California SunBounce Flash Bracket

Few photographic reflectors are as well designed and ruggedly constructed as the California SunBounce Mini and Micro Mini. Using a system of interchangeable reflecting surfaces fitted over frames of aluminum tubing, the SunBounce reflectors are equally well suited to handheld and lightstand use (the latter requiring an adapter).

Actually a German company, California SunBounce has recently made its reflector system even more flexible with the introduction of the SunBounce Flash Bracket. A 24-inch extendible aluminum arm, it attaches to the SunBounce's frame and holds a shoemount flash so that it's aimed back at the reflector's silver, gold, or white surface, which bounces the light back onto your subject in much softer, more flattering form.

Users of latter-day wireless, TTL-controlled shoe mount flash units will get the most from the SunBounce bracket: fully dedicated operation in which the flash will automatically compensate for the light loss caused by bouncing. But whether automatic or manual, the new bracket lets you create soft, studio-like lighting on location, affordably and with little extra cost or weight. Under $100.